Literary notes about indisposed (AI summary)
The term “indisposed” is often used in literature as a refined euphemism for temporary ill health or a mild reluctance to engage, allowing writers to convey both physical and emotional states subtly. In many works, it signals that a character is too unwell or disinclined—whether to travel ([1]), engage in conversation ([2], [3]), or even to undertake political actions ([4])—without resorting to blunt descriptions. Its flexibility permits an expression of everything from genuine medical malaise ([5], [6]) to a polite pretext for avoiding social obligations ([7], [8]). This measured language not only softens the impact of a character’s unavailability but also contributes to the overall tone and nuance of the narrative ([9], [10]).
- We found him indisposed, and resolved not to go abroad.
— from Boswell's Life of Johnson by James Boswell - 'I am very much concerned to hear that you continue to feel indisposed.'
— from The Letters of the Duke of Wellington to Miss J., 1834-1851 Edited, with Extracts from the Diary of the Latter by Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, Duke of - After knocking at his aunt’s door and learning that she was indisposed, he had taken a walk about the town, and then he had come in to his breakfast.
— from Daisy Miller: A Study by Henry James - He had lamented early the change of political sentiments in this country which indisposed Englishmen to the cause of liberty.
— from Selected Speeches on British Foreign Policy 1738-1914 - Shiverings had come on, and it was evident that the poor lady might be seriously indisposed.
— from Tara: A Mahratta Tale by Meadows Taylor - ON St. Louis day, 25th of August, 1715, the King, then seventy-seven years old, felt seriously indisposed.
— from Old Court Life in France, vol. 2/2 by Frances Minto Dickinson Elliot - " Yes; the Durbeyfield couple had changed places; the dying one was out of danger, and the indisposed one was dead.
— from Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman by Thomas Hardy - This ancient Urganda, perceived my disorder, and, approaching with a languishing air, seized my hand, asking in a squeaking tone, if I was indisposed.
— from The Adventures of Roderick Random by T. Smollett - Mrs. Jenkinson was chiefly employed in watching how little Miss De Bourgh ate, pressing her to try some other dish, and fearing she were indisposed.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - My carriage was inconvenient and uncomfortable, and I was too much indisposed to go far in a day.
— from The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau — Complete by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
